The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch which will be in effect from noon to midnight Friday for much of Colorado’s southeast plains.

Strong thunderstorms are expected across the area. Torrential rainfall is possible, which will elevate the risk for flash flooding, especially where recent heavy rains have saturated the soil. Excessive runoff could cause flooding of rivers, creeks, and streams. Low-lying locations are also at risk for flooding.

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, also notes a risk for severe hail east of Interstate 25 in southeast Colorado, along with the potential for strong wind gusts potentially reaching 70 miles per hour. Hail could be up to two inches in diameter.

Storms are expected begin over the San Luis Valley as early as 11:00 a.m., potentially continuing through 8:00 p.m. For southern plains areas closer to the mountains, look for storms beginning to form in the early afternoon and lasting into the late evening.

For counties closer to the border with Kansas, including Cheyenne and Kiowa counties, storms are expected to form after 3:00 p.m. and continue to midnight.

There is also a low-level risk for isolated tornadoes Friday afternoon.

Across the area, Friday’s high temperatures are expected to reach the upper 70s before storms begin to form.

Severe weather is predicted to continue Saturday in southeast Colorado. Potential for large hail and isolated tornadoes is expected, along with strong wind gusts.